Digital services partner, Hippo Digital, has acquired Leeds-based data consultancy, The Data Shed.
Hippo Digital has been on a mission to transform the delivery of digital services across the NHS and central government since being founded in 2016.
Both Hippo Digital and The Data Shed have experienced exceptional double-digit growth in the last year, and demand for their services continues to increase.
The coming together of these two businesses creates a nearly 400-strong team and a new alternative to the traditional, legacy systems integrators and digital transformation organisations that have historically dominated this space.
Adam Lewis, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hippo Digital, said: “The Data Shed has an impressive track record of delivering for clients and has established itself as a real leader in the data field.
“This acquisition significantly strengthens our data and engineering capabilities, helps us solve wider problems for clients, and The Data Shed’s private sector experience extends our reach. We’re delighted to welcome the team to the Hippo family.”
Ed Thewlis, co-founder and chief commercial officer of The Data Shed, said: “Hippo and The Data Shed are united in the belief of doing what is right for our clients and adding value every step of the way. Value and good design are at the heart of every project we complete.
“By bringing the two businesses together, we believe that we have the talent and the experience to disrupt the current market offering, driving meaningful transformation to more clients and ultimately driving better outcomes for citizens and customers everywhere.”
This acquisition takes Hippo Digital’s headcount close to 400 and revenues in excess of £40m.
The transaction was supported by Grant Thornton (finance and tax due diligence), Squire Patton Boggs (legal and legal due diligence), Armstrong (customer due diligence), Vista (insurance due diligence) and The Data Shed advisors KPMG and DWF. NatWest provided funding for the transaction, and legal support was provided to NatWest by Addleshaw Goddard.
